History could be made tonight at the 2024 BAFTAs tonight with the potential for the first ever Irish Best Actor win. 

The 77th British Academy Film Awards (BAFTAs) will take place tonight at 7pm at the Royal Festival Hall. 

Newstalk reporter Henry McKean was given the tough job of donning a tuxedo and heading over to London to watch the best of cinema being honoured tonight. 

In particular, Henry noted this could be a monumental event for Irish talent, with two chances for history to be made. 

“The Irish are smiling,” he told The Anton Savage Show. “Saltburn starring Barry Keoghan and Oppenheimer starring Cillian Murphy. 

“A win for either of them in the Best Actor category will be history because they’ll be the first Irish-born to go on and win. 

“So, lots of excitement and a brilliant year for Irish film.” 

This is the first year since 1976 no UK actor has been nominated for Best Actor or Best Supporting Actress. 

Mr Keoghan last year won the BAFTA for Best Supporting Actor for his role in Banshees of Inisherin, although the first Irishman to win the award was Ray McAnnally in 1986. 

Tonight, Paul Mescal will contend for Best Supporting Actor for his performance in All of Us Strangers, while his co-star Andrew Scott was snubbed for a Best Actor nod. 

Ireland at the BAFTAs

Henry said across all categories, Irish talent will be contesting awards at the BAFTAs tonight.

“Element Pictures, based on O’Connell Street, is behind Poor Things starring Emma Stone and they have 11 nominations,” he said. 

“Remember the Oscars is just in a few weeks' time so there’s lots of interest.” 

Poor Things, produced by Ed Guiney and Andrew Lowe, has been nominated for Best Film and Outstanding British Film due to contributions from UK company Film4. 

Emma Stone as Bella Baxter in Poor Things, by Element Production. Image: Entertainment Pictures / Alamy Stock Photo

Irish cinematographer Robbie Ryan has also been nominated for Best Cinematography for his work on the surrealist film. 

Irish producers Shirley O'Connor and Medb Riordan are also among those nominated for Outstanding Debut for their film Earth Mama. 

Henry predicted the BAFTAs to be “Oppenheimer’s night”, however, with 13 nominations this evening. 

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